ANUSHAKTI : Atomic Energy In India : Evolution of PHWR Design

ANUSHAKTI : Atomic Energy In India Evolution of PHWR Design India’s first stage of Nuclear Programme was based on the PHWR Technology for the following advantages. Optimum utilization of the limited uranium resources Higher Plutonium yield, for the second stage fuel Availability of Indigenous Technology The most significant feature of the PHWR design is Multiple pressure tube configuration instead of a large pressure vessel. The first two reactors were built at Rawatbhata near Kota in Rajasthan with the Canadian collaboration. Two units located at Kalpakkam near Madras built later were of the same design but using indigenous technology.	ATOMIC ENERGY IN INDIA
	A Preface to its Future Perspectives
	Strategy for Nuclear Energy
	Evolution of PHWR Design
	Fast Breeder Reactors
	Heavy Water
	Nuclear Fuels and structural Components
	Back End of Nuclear Fuel Cycle
	Research & Development
	Conclusion

Subsequently, the Reactors at Narora offered first opportunity to our engineers to evolve an indigenous design based on operating experience and other requirements such as stringent safety norms and seismic design.
The design of 500 MWe PHWR is the next step in the process of evolution and the first two units based on this design are being set up at Tarapur. Technology for the manufacture of various components and equipment is now well established and has evolved through active collaboration between the DAE and the industry. Several universities and national institutions have also participated in the development of PHWR technology apart from in house efforts in DAE. As we gain experience and master technology, performance of our plants is improving.